Reinforced heel orthotic insert

Claim 1

A substantially unitary orthotic insert adapted to be placed in an article of footwear, said insert having a longitudinal axis parallel to a lengthwise axis of a foot for which the insert is used, and a transverse axis, with the foot having a plantar surface, which has a calaneal area, a metatarsal head area, and a mid-foot area, said insert comprising: a. a rear portion adapted to underlie and engage the plantar surface of the calcaneal area of the foot; b. a forward portion adapted to underlie and engage the plantar surface of the metatarsal head area of the foot; c. an intermediate portion connecting to and extending between said rear and forward portions to engage the plantar surface of the mid-foot area of the foot; d. said insert having outside and inside edge portions adapted to be positioned adjacent an outside edge and an inside edge of the foot, respectively; e. a heel reinforcing member having a generally U-shaped configuration and having a rear portion extending along a back edge portion of the insert, and two side portions extending along opposite rear edge portions of the insert, said heel reinforcing member comprising a plurality of generally parallel fibers having a predetermined alignment of orientation, such that impact loads imparted to the heel reinforcing member are transmitted along said alignment of orientation.